Related Topics

Categories

Archives

Grinnell, IA - Grinnell, Iowa--Soprano Randye Jones, pianist Marlys Grimm and violinist Leah Meyer will present two programs of music featuring selections from Handel's Messiah as well as traditional Christmas spirituals and other sacred songs.

The first concert is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 220 N. 2nd Ave E., in Newton. The performers will also present the program on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Herrick Chapel at Grinnell College.

Both programs are open to the public at no charge.

In addition to selections from the Messiah, the program will feature settings of spirituals by composers H. T. Burliegh, Roland Hayes, Margaret Bonds, Robert MacGimsey and Edward Boatner. Jones and Grimm will also perform songs by Pietro Yon, César Franck and Adolphe Adam.

Well known for her research on African-American vocalists and composers, Jones has received attention for her research project, The Art of the Negro Spiritual. She will present a lecture-recital at the REAP National Conference on Spirituals next June, and recently presented at the Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. A member of the library staff at Grinnell College, Jones holds a B.A. degree in music education from Bennett College and earned an M. Mus. degree in vocal performance from Florida State University. She currently is a doctoral student in vocal literature at the University of Iowa, where she studies with Stephen Swanson.

Grimm attended Sheldon High School and Central College, where she studied piano with Donald Gren. She has collaborated in student and faculty recitals at Dordt, Northwestern, Grinnell and Central colleges. Grimm has accompanied high school, college, community and professional singers, instrumentalists and choruses throughout Iowa and for National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions. With husband Norm as conductor, she has played for numerous conference, district and regional choral festivals, including the 1993 Opus Boys Honor Choir. Grimm is currently the accompanist for the Grinnell Oratorio Society and also is staff accompanist at Central College and Newton High School.

A sophomore at Grinnell College, Leah Meyer began playing the violin when she was 7 years old. Currently the concertmaster of the Grinnell Symphony Orchestra, she also enjoys playing fiddle and rock 'n' roll with friends and family.